Ask the Plumber: You can have your cake and grind it up, too

Wednesday

Sep 21, 2011 at 12:01 AMSep 21, 2011 at 9:15 PM

Q: My husband and I are building a new house that will be on a septic system. We would like to have a garbage disposer, but is this wise? Over the years, people have told us that you should not install a disposer when you have a septic system, but that was many moons ago. Have things now changed in the industry? We need to know so we can pick out a kitchen sink with a special disposer bowl. -- Sheryl, Missouri

Ed Del Grande

Q: My husband and I are building a new house that will be on a septic system. We would like to have a garbage disposer, but is this wise? Over the years, people have told us that you should not install a disposer when you have a septic system, but that was many moons ago. Have things now changed in the industry? We need to know so we can pick out a kitchen sink with a special disposer bowl. -- Sheryl, Missouri

A: First off, the two key points to having a healthy septic system are to have it designed properly for your area and to have it professionally maintained.

This involves following all your local codes relating to things like soil condition, plumbing-fixture water use and having approved septic plans and permits. Once installed, the system should then be inspected annually and pumped out every one to two years, or on the recommendation of your septic company.

Why am I bringing all this up? Well, if you do things right, and install one of the new septic-type garbage disposers, you can have your cake and grind it up, too! A septic disposer is installed the same way as a conventional garbage disposer, and its high-speed grinding action produces very fine particles that wash easily down the drain.

The big difference between a standard disposer and a septic disposer is what's called a bio-charge cartridge, which is attached to the unit. This cartridge automatically injects a fluid containing microorganisms with each use. These organisms promote the breakdown of food waste and help to maintain the septic system.

The good news is that with the automatic injection of the fluid into the system, you won't have to worry about flushing septic additives down your toilet on a monthly basis.

Bottom line: If your local codes allow garbage disposers on septic systems, then a "bio-disposer" should wash away any of your concerns.

Ed Del Grande, master contractor/plumber and LEED green associate, is the author of "Ed Del Grande's House Call" and host of TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.